Groups visit KL archbishop in solidarity with Pope's support for Palestine

Summary

• Civil society groups in support of Palestine visit Kuala Lumpur archbishop Julian Leow to express concern over Pope Francis’ health condition.

• Group spokesperson Tian Chua credits Francis as a vocal supporter of peace in Gaza, and other countries facing war.

In recognition of Pope Francis’ support for the plights of Palestinians under siege in Gaza, a delegation of civil society groups today shared their solidarity message with the archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, Julian Leow.

Group spokesperson Tian Chua, on behalf of Sekretariat Solidariti Palestine, said they expressed concerns over Francis’ health condition. The pope has reportedly recovered after five weeks of hospitalisation for pneumonia.

“The reason why we want to pay this courtesy visit is that Pope Francis has been one of the very strong religious leaders, a global figure, very outspoken on the rights of the Palestinians,” Chua told Malaysiakini before the groups’ closed-door meeting with Leow at the Archbishop’s Office in Kuala Lumpur.

“Last Christmas he (Francis) put up decorations that reflected the plight of the Palestinians.

“So the solidarity groups for Palestine in Malaysia would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation, and also highlight that the issue of Palestine cuts across religion,” said the former Batu MP.

On March 23, Vatican News reported that Francis made his first public appearance at the window of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, while his Sunday reflection included an appeal for the silencing of weapons in Gaza.

According to the church’s official newsletter, Francis in a prepared prayer text, wrote: “I am saddened by the resumption of heavy Israeli bombing on the Gaza Strip, causing many deaths and injuries.

“I call for an immediate halt to the weapons; and for the courage to resume dialogue, so that all hostages may be released and a final ceasefire reached,” he said.

Praying for peace

Following the hour-long meeting today, Leow expressed his gratitude for the concerns shown towards Francis’ health.

“I am very happy, touched by the visit of all our friends gathered here to express their concern for the health of Pope Francis.

“They have written to me, and I am happy they are able to come today, so we can speak and share on many issues,” he told Malaysiakini.

“I think we shared many things in common. Especially for world peace and understanding among different religions. We are so happy with the meeting, and we pray for peace,” he added.

Unnecessary politics ruins ties

Malaysia Mosque for Al-Aqsa and Palestine (MM4AP) co-chairperson Ahmad Awang who was also present reiterated that all religion wishes for peace.

Ahmad, who is also an Amanah adviser, said concerns will arise when issues related to religion are played up by political parties seeking political mileage without consideration for its impact towards interfaith relations.

On March 18, the Israeli military confirmed that it had launched its largest airstrike on Gaza since the ceasefire with Hamas came into effect on Jan 19.

The attacks effectively dismantled the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

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